studiobondurri 176: Benthorn Snorebeast
176: Benthorn Snorebeast
176: Benthorn Snorebeast
John tried his best to keep his mind clear.
After the long period of magical energy running rampant, everything finally settled down.
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[Ding! Magic-infused blood has concluded.]
[Obtained Boggart-related traits: Panic, Metamorphosis, Insight, and Mindlock.]
Panic: Releases an aura of terror.
Metamorphosis: Enhanced transformation abilities.
Insight: Increases perception, allowing the ability to sense shifts in thoughts and emotions, as well as identifying what someone fears most.
Mindlock: Enhanced resistance to external mental intrusions.
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As expected, there were four traits, and as anticipated, his Transfiguration skills had improved, now reaching Level 5.
Not only that, but Mindlock had upgraded John's Occlumency, and Insight granted him a new ability akin to Legilimency.
However, unlike Legilimency, Insight was passive, enabling him to sense others' emotional fluctuations and inner thoughts. John could even identify their greatest fears—an immensely useful advantage in combat.
"Mindlock... Could it be due to the Boggart's timid nature?"
The last trait was surprising. John speculated that it stemmed from the fact that Boggarts themselves were inherently cowardly magical creatures.
"Moo—"
As John pondered, something bumped into his leg.
Looking down, he saw a small, fuzzy creature with curled horns, a white body, and a long tail dragging along the ground.
What the fuck?
It was clinging to John's pant leg with its tiny paws.
This was a creature that had never been seen before. John pinched the back of its neck like one might with a kitten and lifted it up.
It was about the size of a newborn kitten.
The little creature noticed John looking at it and shyly pulled its tail around to cover its face.
Its voice sounded like a cow's moo, but it occasionally made soft gurgling noises, like someone snoring.
"Did it work?"
John stared blankly at the little creature, then at the pile of materials, which had vanished entirely.
Placing the creature on the table, it excitedly rolled over, nearly tumbling off the edge.
John watched it closely, muttering to himself.
"Vital signs are stable, and it has independent consciousness."
He wiggled a finger, and the little creature scurried toward him. It moved on all fours but would amusingly sit on its backside when it stopped.
John patted its head, "It seems a bit... weak."
With a flick of his finger, the little creature rolled backward like a ball.
John opened his right hand, and black threads of magic shot out from his palm.
The little creature cowered in fear, trying to hide. When there was nowhere left to go, it seemed to strain for a moment, and with a soft pop, it reappeared on John's shoulder, mooing indignantly at the black threads as if scolding them.
"A magical creature," John said with a grin. He had succeeded.
By channeling the immense magic overflow from the power surge, he had successfully transformed materials into an entirely new magical being.
"Benthorn Snorebeast!!" John declared.
...
After playing with the little Benthorn Snorebeast for a while, John smirked and set it down.
He thought about writing to Luna—she'd probably be so thrilled she wouldn't sleep for days.
"Shame there's only one."
The chaotic surge of magic had only been enough to create a single creature, which he found slightly disappointing.
In the end, Mrs. Wick overruled everyone. America was hosting Fashion Week, and all objections were rendered invalid.
"John, where do you want to go?" Mrs. Wick, ever considerate, asked her son, who was supposed to join her on the trip.
"I'm fine with anything," John replied casually. "America sounds good too."
In his mind, he recalled that their intern was attending Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Besides, Ilvermorny shared some history with Hogwarts. Its founder was a descendant of Salazar Slytherin.
As a Slytherin himself, visiting Ilvermorny seemed perfectly reasonable.
Hearing that John was fine with the plan, Mrs. Wick promptly finalized the destination.
Humming happily, she began packing for the trip, scheduling it for the day after tomorrow.
Conveniently, this timing didn't overlap with John's banquet, proving that a mother and son's minds are truly connected.
The condition was that Mrs. Wick didn't call her salon socialite friends to join her on a shopping spree. John already saw Watson there, holding the bills, calculating if they'd have to survive on spaghetti from next month onward.
Middle-aged men truly have it rough.
...
The next day.
The Benthorn Snorebeast was stuffed into a cupboard. Like a Boggart, this creature loved dark, confined spaces.
John entered the basement and used the Floo Network to appear directly in his office.
He had constructed an independent Floo Network system, separate from the Ministry of Magic's.
He even considered setting up a personal Floo Network system exclusive to Silver-Hand Johnny, though that idea was temporarily shelved.
Not long after arriving in the office, he heard a knock at the door.
Tommy Shelby entered, his expression respectful. "Sir, Lucius is here."
John waved his hand, signaling his acknowledgment.
Shortly after Tommy exited, Lucius Malfoy entered. His complexion looked less than stellar.
"Lucius, my friend, is it difficult for you to attend my party?" John asked in a deep voice.
Lucius looked visibly flustered. He turned around, stuck his head out the door to check the surroundings, and only after confirming no one was around, closed the door behind him.
Approaching John, he couldn't conceal his nervousness.
"Sir Silverhand, it... it's reacting," Lucius said, rolling up his left sleeve. A faint twinge of pain flickered across his face as he revealed a familiar mark.
Hearing this, John raised his hand to interrupt, placing the Heart of Silence down to activate a soundproof barrier. He gestured for Lucius to continue.
Lucius suppressed the panic in his eyes and said, "Since yesterday, the Dark Mark has reacted. This is the Death Eaters calling for me to go back."
As he spoke, Lucius couldn't help but plead, "Sir, you have to help me this time."
Lucius knew Johnny Silver-Hand was aware of his background, which was why he had rushed here the moment the summons arrived.
In his eyes, Johnny was the only one who could help him now.
Thanks to Johnny Silverhand's influence, Lucius had regained his position on the Hogwarts Board of Governors and elevated the Malfoy family's prestige.
Compared to his constant fear while serving under the Dark Lord, Lucius much preferred the security of Johnny Silverhand's camp.
After listening to him, John replied calmly, "Don't panic, Lucius. If you trust me, I want you to answer the Death Eaters' call."
"Wha..."
This made Lucius's heart sink. Was Johnny Silverhand abandoning him?
Sensing his inner turmoil and guessing his thoughts, John chuckled and shook his head. "Relax. I'm not abandoning you. I'm asking you to find an opportunity among the Death Eaters."
"An opportunity?" Lucius repeated, his expression bewildered.
John's voice carried an air of mystery. "An opportunity to completely sever your ties with the Death Eaters. I can remove that mark for you, but first, you'll need to re-enter their ranks and use it to your advantage."
Lucius understood now—he was being sent in as a spy.
The prospect of finally freeing himself from the Dark Mark filled Lucius with hope, and he agreed without hesitation.
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